Many of you are frequent visitors to this one-of-a-kind part of our country. I remember a veterinary conference that we went to the year the World’s Fair was in New Orleans. Could it REALLY have been 32 years ago??? We borrowed my parents’ motorhome and found what had to have been the noisiest campground ever built that was situated under the interstate somewhere. What WERE we thinking? We visited Matt and Katie several times when he was in school at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, but we had not been back since Hurricane Katrina. Now, we’ve been to NOLA twice in 2016, in mid-March and in mid-September.
Cathedral in Jackson Square — iconic symbol of New Orleans.
Typical architecture in the French Quarter.
Colorful store window in the French Quarter.
We LOVE the music on every street corner and the incredible food. Oh my, the food!! We’re not picky. Give us Cajun, Creole or a mixture of both. We like it all. However, the raunchy night life and the people who work hard to outdo others in crazy, outrageous behavior and dress? Well, those aren’t our favorite parts. And, truthfully, when it starts to get dark, I begin to feel a little bit uneasy. Yes, I know. I’m showing my age. But, anyway, I wanted to share some photos from our two recent visits.
Popular mode of transportation favored over driving your car — a bicycle taxi. With all of the narrow, one-way streets and scarce parking spaces, this is a great way to go.
The Court of Two Sisters has a very famous brunch. I’d love to read some reviews from you all. Is it worth the price?
Spices, spices. Gotta have ’em. Many restaurants tout their own secret blends.
Oh, and one suggestion when you’re wandering the streets. Carry a wad of $1-dollar bills with you to place in the jars/hats, etc. of the street musicians. After all, I am a BIG SUPPORTER of musicians, aren’t you? And, go by Krystal or McDonald’s near Canal Street and get a sackful of hamburgers. Pass those out to the homeless people you see. I suspect it will do more good than your money, at least temporarily. If you find a sober, homeless person, give him/her a hamburger and a prayer.
Musicians on every corner, and most of them are quite good.
Bourbon Street — a rowdy place that I can’t recommend.
Could they possibly be trying to sell pralines?
For more information, here is the link to my article in MilesGeek.com about Gumbo Shop, a WONDERFUL place to eat.
And here’s my article in Trip101.com about Hotel Mazarin in the French Quarter.
And, if you decide to venture north out of New Orleans and tour the amazing plantations between NOLA and Baton Rouge, here, here, here and here are 4 more Trip101 articles that can help with your planning. Plus, you will find plenty of blog posts published in www.conniewasthere.com in April and May about Plantation Country and Baton Rouge.
No, I don’t recommend Hard Rock Cafe when you’re in the midst of culinary heaven, but some folks just want a burger.
Outlandish outfits of rock stars at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Deuce McAllister actually played college football for Ole Miss but then was drafted by the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. This is one of his business ventures in the Quarter.
Hotel Monteleone lit up at night.
Getting ready for Easter.